A suction machine — also called a suction aspirator or suction pump — is a medical device that uses vacuum pressure to clear airways of secretions, mucus, blood, and other fluids that a patient cannot remove on their own. For patients with conditions that impair the ability to cough or swallow effectively — including ALS, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, post-surgical recovery, tracheostomy care, and advanced respiratory illness — a reliable suction machine can be life-sustaining equipment.
Medical Department Store carries a carefully selected range of suction machines and aspirators from trusted manufacturers including DeVilbiss, Drive Medical, and Precision Medical. Whether you need a portable battery-powered unit for home and travel use, a compact stationary unit for bedside care, or a heavy-duty pump for high-volume clinical applications, this guide will help you find the right model — and understand exactly what separates one unit from another.
Portable suction machines · Home suction aspirators · Heavy-duty suction pumps · Battery-powered · AC-powered · HCPCS E0600 · DeVilbiss VacuAide · Drive Medical · Precision Medical EasyGoVac. Prescription required for most models.
Prescription Required for Most Models
Suction machines are medical devices. Most models require a valid prescription from a licensed physician before shipment. All suctioning should be performed in strict compliance with procedures established by a licensed medical authority. If you need assistance obtaining or submitting a prescription, call us at 866-218-0902 — we are happy to help coordinate with your provider. Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM · Sat 9AM–3PM.
Need help choosing the right suction machine?Call 866-218-0902— Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM · Sat 9AM–3PM · Nationwide Shipping · Local SW Florida Support
How Suction Machines Work
Suction machines use a motor-driven vacuum pump to generate negative pressure — measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) — through a collection canister and suction catheter or tubing. When the catheter is placed in the airway, negative pressure draws secretions and fluids through the tubing and into the collection canister, clearing the airway for the patient.
The vacuum level is adjustable on all medical-grade suction units. Clinical guidelines from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) recommend keeping suction pressure below 150 mmHg for neonatal and pediatric patients, and between 100–150 mmHg for most adult homecare applications — higher pressures can cause airway trauma, hypoxemia, and tissue damage. All units we carry offer adjustable vacuum control so pressure can be set to the prescribed level.
The collection canister captures fluids and is emptied and cleaned after each use. A bacteria filter — either inline or integrated — prevents secretions and airborne contaminants from entering the pump mechanism. Most units include an automatic float shut-off valve that stops suction if the canister reaches capacity, protecting the pump from damage due to overflow.
What to Look for When Choosing a Suction Machine
Vacuum Pressure Range · mmHg Rating
Vacuum pressure is the core performance specification of any suction machine — measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury). Most homecare suction units reach between 480–560 mmHg maximum. Higher maximum vacuum allows the unit to handle thicker secretions and more demanding clinical applications. For most home and bedside use, any unit reaching 480 mmHg or above will meet typical prescription requirements. Always match the unit's vacuum range to your clinician's specified pressure settings.
Power Source · AC, Battery, or Both
Suction machines are available in AC-only, battery-only, and dual-power configurations. AC-only units are suited for stationary home or facility use where a wall outlet is always available. Battery-powered models allow use during power outages, transport, travel, and away from home. Dual-power units — running on AC at home and battery on the go — offer the most flexibility. For patients who require suctioning during transport or away from home, a battery-equipped model is essential.
Battery Runtime · Critical for Mobile Use
If your suction machine needs to function away from a power outlet, battery runtime is a critical specification. Battery runtimes among portable units range from 1 hour (DeVilbiss VacuAide 7325) to 2 hours (Precision Medical EasyGoVac). Longer battery runtime provides greater security for patients who travel, attend appointments, or who need suction available during extended power outages. Always check the battery runtime against your expected usage patterns before selecting a unit.
Weight and Portability
Suction machine weight ranges from approximately 3.8 lbs (DeVilbiss VacuAide 7310PR-D) to 4 lbs (Drive 18600) to 9.6 lbs (Precision Medical EasyGoVac). Lighter units with carry bags or handles are easier to move between rooms, transport in a vehicle, or take to appointments. For patients or caregivers who need to carry the unit frequently, weight is an important practical consideration. Heavier stationary units like the Drive 18600 are designed for fixed placement in the home or facility.
Flow Rate · LPM
Flow rate — measured in liters per minute (LPM) — determines how quickly the unit can evacuate the airway. Most portable homecare suction units deliver a free flow of 27 LPM, which meets AARC guidelines for neonatal through adult homecare suctioning. Higher flow rates clear secretions more quickly, which is especially important for patients with heavy or viscous secretions.
Canister Capacity · mL
Collection canisters are available in 800 mL and 1,200 mL sizes on most units. Larger canisters require less frequent emptying — an important consideration for patients with high-volume secretions or in clinical settings. Standard 800 mL canisters are used by most home patients. Confirm canister compatibility before purchasing replacement supplies, as canister sizes and lid fittings vary by manufacturer and model.
Portable vs. Stationary Suction Machines
The most important distinction when selecting a suction machine is whether you need a portable battery-powered unit or a stationary AC-powered unit — or both.
Portable suction machines include an internal rechargeable battery and are designed to be used away from a wall outlet — during transport, travel, at appointments, and in the event of a power outage. They are compact and lightweight, with carry bags for easy transportation. All three DeVilbiss VacuAide models and the Precision Medical EasyGoVac are portable battery-equipped units. The DeVilbiss 7310PR-D at 3.37 lbs is the lightest option available.
Stationary suction machines run on AC power only and are designed for fixed placement in the home, at a bedside, or in a care facility. The Drive Medical 18600 Heavy Duty Suction Pump is the stationary option in our lineup — a powerful, durable unit with vacuum levels up to 560 mmHg, designed for high-volume applications and continuous home or facility use. At 4 lbs with an E-Z grip handle and cord wrap base, it is also easy to reposition within the home.
Many patients and facilities benefit from having both: a stationary heavy-duty unit for primary home use and a portable battery-powered unit for transport and travel. Call us at 866-218-0902 if you need help determining which configuration is right for your situation.
Suction Machines & Aspirators We Carry
DeVilbiss VacuAide Series — Portable Battery-Powered Suction Units
DeVilbiss · Lightest · 3.37 lbs · BatteryDeVilbiss VacuAide 7310PR-D Compact
3.37 lbs · 50–550 mmHg · 27 LPM · 1-hr battery · AC/DC/Battery · FAA compliant · ISO 10079-1 · 2-yr warrantyView →DeVilbiss · 7325 · Updated Model · BatteryDeVilbiss VacuAide 7325 with Battery
3.8 lbs · 50–550 mmHg · 27 LPM · 1-hr lithium battery · AC/DC/Battery · Quieter · Smaller footprint · 2-yr warrantyView →DeVilbiss · Full Series · Multiple ModelsDeVilbiss Suction Aspirator Machines
Full DeVilbiss VacuAide lineup — AC and battery models · 7305, 7310, 7325 series · Neonatal to adultView →Precision Medical · 2-hr Battery · 9.6 lbsPrecision Medical EasyGoVac PM65
9.6 lbs · 483 mmHg · 2-hr battery · 800 mL canister · Carry bag · Hospital-grade cord · 2-yr warrantyView →
Stationary & Heavy-Duty Suction Machines
Drive Medical · Heavy Duty · AC · 560 mmHgDrive Medical 18600 Heavy Duty Suction Pump
4 lbs · 560 mmHg · 800 mL canister · AC power · Oil-less pump · Anti-vibration gauge · Overflow protection · UL approved · 2-yr warrantyView →All Suction MachinesFull Suction Machine Lineup
Every suction machine and aspirator we carry — portable and stationaryBrowse all →
Suction Machine Comparison Guide
DeVilbiss VacuAide 7310PR-D3.37 lbs · 50–550 mmHg · 27 LPM · 1-hr battery · AC/DC/Battery · FAA compliant · Lightest model · ISO 10079-1 · 2-yr warrantyDeVilbiss VacuAide 7325 with Battery3.8 lbs · 50–550 mmHg · 27 LPM · 1-hr lithium battery · AC/DC/Battery · Updated quieter design · Smaller footprint · 2-yr warrantyDeVilbiss Suction Aspirator MachinesFull VacuAide lineup — 7305, 7310, 7325 series · AC-only and battery models · Neonatal to adult · Multiple configurationsPrecision Medical EasyGoVac PM659.6 lbs · 483 mmHg · 27 LPM · 2-hr battery · 800 mL canister · Carry bag · Hospital-grade cord · 2-yr warrantyDrive Medical 18600 Heavy Duty4 lbs · 560 mmHg · 800 mL canister · AC power only · Oil-less pump · Anti-vibration gauge · Overflow protection · UL approved · 2-yr warranty
Suction Machine Accessories & Replacement Supplies
Most suction machines ship with a starter set of supplies — typically a collection canister, suction tubing, bacteria filter, and carry bag where applicable. For ongoing daily use you will need replacement supplies on a regular basis. Common accessories include:
Suction catheters — single-use, sized by French gauge for neonatal, pediatric, and adult patients. Yankauer suction tips — rigid oral suction tips for oropharyngeal suctioning. Collection canisters — 800 mL and 1,200 mL options depending on model. Suction tubing — 6-foot lengths standard on most units. Bacteria filters — inline hydrophobic filters that prevent fluid backflow and airborne contamination from entering the pump — replaced regularly or immediately after overflow. Carry bags — replacement carry cases for portable units. Replacement batteries — lithium-ion or sealed lead-acid depending on model; battery warranties are typically 6 months.
Call us at 866-218-0902 if you need help identifying the correct replacement supplies or accessories for your specific suction machine model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a home suction machine?Suction machines are prescribed for patients who are unable to effectively clear their own airways due to a medical condition. Common indications include ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, tracheostomy care, post-surgical recovery, severe COPD or asthma, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and any condition that impairs cough or gag reflex. A physician or respiratory therapist will determine whether a suction machine is medically necessary and prescribe the appropriate vacuum pressure settings for the patient's specific condition. Call us at 866-218-0902 if you have questions about whether a specific model is appropriate for your situation.What is the difference between a portable and a stationary suction machine?A portable suction machine includes an internal rechargeable battery and is designed for use both at home and away from a power outlet — during transport, travel, medical appointments, and in power outages. The DeVilbiss VacuAide series and Precision Medical EasyGoVac are portable battery-equipped units. A stationary suction machine runs on AC power only and is designed for fixed placement at home or in a care facility. The Drive Medical 18600 is our stationary heavy-duty option. Many patients use both — a portable unit for travel and a heavy-duty unit for primary home use. Call us at 866-218-0902 to discuss which configuration is right for your needs.What vacuum pressure do I need?Your physician or respiratory therapist will specify the appropriate vacuum pressure setting for your patient's condition and age. AARC clinical guidelines recommend pressures below 150 mmHg for neonatal and pediatric patients. Adult homecare suctioning is typically performed between 100–150 mmHg. Maximum vacuum ratings on our units range from 483 mmHg (Precision Medical EasyGoVac) to 560 mmHg (Drive Medical 18600) — all well above typical homecare requirements, with adjustable pressure control so the unit can be set to the prescribed level. Never exceed the pressure specified by your clinician.Can I use a suction machine on an airplane?The DeVilbiss VacuAide 7310PR-D and 7325 series are specifically designed to meet the RTCA/DO-160D Aircraft Standard for environmental conditions and test procedures for airborne equipment — meaning they will not interfere with an aircraft's navigation system. They are among the only suction units cleared for in-flight use. If air travel is a requirement, the DeVilbiss VacuAide compact models are the appropriate choice. Always confirm with your airline before travel. Call us at 866-218-0902 with any questions.How do I clean and maintain a suction machine?Collection canisters should be emptied after each use and cleaned thoroughly with hot water and dishwashing detergent, followed by a one part vinegar to three parts water rinse. Suction tubing should be flushed with hot tap water after each use and rinsed with a vinegar solution. The exterior housing should be wiped with a germicidal disinfectant — never submerge any unit in water as this will damage the vacuum pump. Bacteria filters should be replaced on a regular schedule or immediately if overflow occurs. Always follow the specific maintenance instructions in your unit's user manual and consult your equipment provider for service needs.Does insurance cover suction machines?Most suction machines carry HCPCS code E0600, which is the billing code used for suction pumps under Medicare and other insurance programs. Coverage depends on your specific plan, your physician's prescription, and your qualifying medical condition. Contact your insurance provider or physician to determine whether a suction machine qualifies for coverage under your plan. Call us at 866-218-0902 — our team can help you navigate prescription and documentation requirements.
Why Buy From Medical Department Store
Medical Department Store has been serving patients and caregivers across the country for over 25 years from our five Southwest Florida locations — Venice, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, and Naples. We carry suction machines and aspirators from the most trusted manufacturers in the category — DeVilbiss, Drive Medical, and Precision Medical. Our respiratory specialists are available to help you match the right unit to your prescription, your home environment, and your patient's daily needs. We ship nationwide and support every product we sell long after purchase.
📞 866-218-0902 · Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM · Sat 9AM–3PM · Browse all suction machines →
What is a Suction Machine?
A Suction Machine is a device for removing liquids or gases by suction, especially an instrument that uses suction to remove substances, such as mucus or serum, from a body cavity. A suction machine is used to create a partial vacuum. A suction machine has been prescribed by your doctor to help remove secretions and mucus from your airways. In addition, a suction machine may be needed when you have a moist cough, are unable to effectively clear secretions from the throat, or are having difficulty breathing or feel that you can not get enough air.
